you cant say you know brixton unless you have eaten at the phoenix cafe, bang in the centre of everything in coldharbour lane in brixton. its been around since long before i first lived in brixton in 1983. for decades the phoenix was distinguished by its formally dressed long serving waiter who even came back after he retired. it is notable for its hand cut bread and ham carved from the bone. the tiny, mirrored cafe (which has a hidden extra room) is a brixton institution serving excellent food to residents, workers and vistors, from the very young to the very old. on saturday mornings its full of breakfasting clubbers. and when you have eaten you can browse in the excellent second hand bookshop next door.